The Mixer powered by WKSocial, was hosted in Portland, Oregon at The Evergreen PDX on December 27. A sold-out that was filled with beneficial information to be obtained and shared as the audience had the chance to hear from Executive Directors, CEO’s, Musicians, Founders, Reality TV stars, Sports Marketers.

We are pleased to announce that Converge Media Co-Founder Erik Kalligraphy will be taking the helm as the head of our newly formed Music, Culture, & Lifestyle division and the Converge Music platform.

Covered a live R&B experience took place in Seattle’s very own Columbia City at Black and Tan Hall, Converge Media’s Deaunte Damper attended the event where he caught up with Teme Wokoma, owner of Sankofa Theater and Spirit of Ire Productions. An active advocate for showcasing Black art in Black spaces, Wakoma put on the event with extreme gratitude for Besa Gordon while honoring her late business partner Elijah Lewis.

As we look back at some of our favorite moments from Back2Besa in 2024, one standout interview was with professional tap dancer Pamela Yasutake. Pamela, who began tap dancing at the age of nine, has turned her lifelong passion into a thriving career, performing and teaching tap across the globe. Here’s a look at Pamela’s story, how she got started, and her dedication to keeping tap dancing alive for the next generation.

As we welcome a new year, many of us find ourselves thinking about what we want to achieve and the goals we want to set. But how can we ensure that the intentions we set are truly aligned with our purpose and are achievable in the long run? Qigong instructor Instructor Heru TchaasAmen joined The Day With Trae last January to share his insights on how to approach setting intentions in a way that will have a lasting, positive impact.

It was with mixed emotions I found myself standing amidst the remnants of another beloved Black-owned business, Jackson's Catfish Corner, as they closed their doors for the last time last Friday after 40 years in business. The weight of that loss still hung heavy in the air when I received a call from Marie Kidhe, delivering news that didn’t make things much better: La Familia Sports Bar in Des Moines was shutting down for good on Sunday.

Converge Media is pleased to announce the appointment of Winfield Ezell Jr. as its new Chief Storyteller. Ezell has been an integral part of the Converge Media team, directing the TV show Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle and FOX SOUL, as well as directing impactful films like "Facing the Reign," which tells the story of Jessa Thomas, the first African American Miss Teen Rodeo Washington. His directorial work also includes "Sankofa Theater Inscape Finale" and the Emmy-nominated "Reconciliation Tour”.

A passionate plea for justice and the preservation of Black heritage echoed through Seattle's Central District yesterday as members of the Seattle Black Fire Fighters Association (SBFFA) rallied in front of their former house. The gathering was a call to action, raising awareness about the Association's fight to reclaim the house they say was illegally sold and to galvanize support ahead of a crucial court date next week.

With the walls sweating, bleachers filled on both sides both Garfield and Rainier Beach put on a show for those in person as this was the last ‘Hood Classic’ to be played in this gym as the school is set to be remodeled. Rainier Beach’s Kaden Powers, Jaylen Petty, and Keaundre Morris led the way for a Vikings victory.

By Besa Gordon - Y’all, I gotta share this moment with you! Early December, I had the opportunity to sit down with two media legends—Jesse Jones and Essex Porter—and let me tell you, it was next level. If you don’t know them, Jesse is the investigative reporter who’s been holding people accountable for YEARS with his ‘Get Jesse’ segments, helping people resolve issues and navigate scams.

Throwback Alert. One year ago on Back2Besa, we spotlighted “A Note to Self”—a beautiful short project by Cydney Stephen and TT Frost all about pouring into you. Because sometimes we’re so busy pouring into others, we forget to fill our own cups.

By Besa Gordon - I’ve been wanting to try this spot for a minute, especially after featuring it on Back2Besa. Since I wasn’t at that shoot, I had to check it out for myself and see what all the hype was about!

A somber mood settled over Seattle's Central District today as Jackson's Catfish Corner, a culinary landmark and community pillar, served its last meal. The unexpected announcement came this morning via owner Terrell Jackson's Instagram post, leaving patrons and community members stunned and saddened. The line outside the door, filled with people wanting to say their goodbyes and get one last taste of Jackson's famous catfish, spoke volumes about the restaurant's impact.

Garfield Bulldogs and Rainier Beach Vikings face off tonight in the “Hood Classic”, the Vikings 8-2 look to win the first matchup of two against Garfield, and the Bulldogs currently on a five-game winning streak look to extend that against the Vikings on their home floor. The game will take place on the Crawford Court home of Rainier Beach at 8:30pm.

By Besa Gordon - A new year always feels like the perfect time to hit reset and start fresh, and 2025 is no exception. But before we get into what’s next, let me take a moment to look back at 2024. Whew—what a year! There were highs, like signing my second contract with FOX 13 Seattle and taking Back2Besa national on FOX Soul—huge milestones I’ll forever be proud of. But there were also low moments…

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced that low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Washington businesses and residents affected by the Bomb Cyclone that occurred November 17-25, 2024. The disaster declaration, made in response to a request from Governor Jay Inslee, covers Chelan, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Pierce, Snohomish, and Yakima counties.

The Seattle City Council announced today that the application window for the vacant District 2 council position is now open. Interested candidates residing in District 2, representing southeast Seattle, can apply until 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

The tragic death of Amarr Murphy-Paine on June 6th cast a long shadow over the Garfield High School community. A peacemaker by nature, Amarr's life was tragically cut short as he intervened in a fight, just months before his 18th birthday. On the day that would have marked his entry into adulthood, friends, family, and the community gathered on the steps of Garfield High, mere feet from where he was killed, to celebrate Amarr's life, his legacy, and the enduring power of love in the face of tragedy.

This is more than just a video; it's a glimpse into the soul of a community, a celebration of the spirit that refuses to be dimmed. At Converge Media, we are storytellers, weaving narratives of resilience, creativity, and the undeniable power of Black joy.

By Besa Gordon - I finally got to pull up to Moe Vegan in Kent after missing their grand opening, and let me tell you—they did not disappoint! I grabbed the spicy crispy vegan honey chicken wrap and garlic fries, and dude… the flavors were on point! I. Was. SHOCKED. Plus, the vibe inside is super chill—pool table, photobooth, TVs for the game, and a whole lotta positive vibes.